Warren Collegiate students continue to make a mark in the environmental realm.
Two teams of students recently earned a spot at the provincial level of the Manitoba Envirothon competition based on their high rankings at the regional level.
Left to right: Chyler Grenkow, Austyn Scott, Katelynne Defoort, Michaella Monforton and Olivia Fontaine
Envirothon is an environmental education competition that challenges Grade 9 to 12 students to test their knowledge in ecology and natural resource management. The annual competition encourages teamwork, problem solving and public speaking, while also focusing on current environmental issues.
In total, 21 teams competed at the provincial event, which took place in Whiteshell Provincial Park from May 21 to 23.
“On the first day, students do the 3.5-hour trail test,” said teacher Amanda Dion, who was one of the coaches along with Gaelen Fehr and Melissa Anderson.
“On the second day, students are given the oral question and have two hours, without any resources, to make a poster and a five-minute presentation. This year students were given a description of a parcel of land and three different land management plans. They had to reconcile the three plans and justify their decisions.”
Overall, the two WCI teams ranked eighth and 15th. The team consisting of Jess Chrusch, Sawyer Park, Sarah Goodwill, Kade Schedler and Mason Klassen earned recognition by winning the top mark for their oral presentation.
For Dion, the best part of the experience is seeing the students’ presentations.
“It’s always interesting to see what they come up with completely on their own. I am incredibly proud of these students. They have learned so much and have become experts in their own topics,” she said.
“These are the students who will make a difference in the world someday. They dedicate themselves fully to every task they undertake and consistently strive to do their very best.”
